Washing machine under the countertop in the bathroom: for the built-in model, with a sink, your own hands

Washing machines have become a common phenomenon in our apartments for a long time, but the problem of their placement is still relevant today. Owners of private houses or apartments of free planning can equip in their dwelling a laundry and with comfort to place there all accessories for washing, ironing and drying of linen. Those who live in standard urban apartments, you have to go to a variety of tricks in search of a place to install a washing machine.

Most often these places become a bathroom or kitchen. And the kitchen area - this is not the most suitable place for a washing machine, as all the pleasure of eating with the family will be disturbed by the noise, hum and vibrations emitted by the device. The bathroom for the installation of "Stiralki" is the most suitable, since we do not spend much time in this room, and the sounds of a working washing machine will not hurt us.

However, most often the bathroom can not boast a large area, and finding an extra square meter under the washing machine is not easy. That's why designers and designers are constantly in search of new solutions. Today, the washing machine can be installed under the sink or built into the cabinet. One of the most interesting solutions is to install the unit under the countertop.

• All necessary communications must be connected to the installation site of the washing machine, namely electricity( the presence of a waterproof outlet is a prerequisite), water pipes and sewerage.
• The height of the countertop must be several centimeters greater than the height of the washing machine. This condition must be observed for ease of installation, repair and normal operation of the unit.
• Special attention should be given to the choice of the material from which the table top is made. The ideal solution is a natural or artificial stone. The material should be resistant to moisture, temperature changes and mechanical stress.
• Not every washing machine is suitable for installation under the countertop. The device should be narrow enough, otherwise it will protrude from the countertop, which does not look very aesthetic. In addition, only front-loading washing machines are suitable for this installation method.

• The worktop gives you the opportunity to use the space above the washing machine. It can be taken under cosmetics, shampoos and towels. And if a place for storage of hygiene supplies is already provided, a vase with flowers, an original lamp, candles and any other elements of decor can be put on the countertop.
• The worktop is used for a washing machine with a reliable protection against mechanical damage and other influences. Heavy objects placed on the "stilalku" can damage the unit, but the table top will withstand the load. In addition, the table top will protect the device from spilled water or detergent.
• Finally, the long table top allows you to decorate the entire room in a single style. A beautiful worktop will serve as a uniting element for all elements of the interior of the bathroom, including plumbing, household appliances and furniture.

• The worktop and washing machine should be chosen taking into account the features of each other. It is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions, but also the technical features( for example, the type of loading) of the washing machine. Therefore, take a closer look at the models of washing machines intended for installation. In addition, furniture and household appliances should be combined in style and color scheme.
• If you buy a countertop of natural or artificial stone - it will cost you quite expensive. And other options, though they will be much cheaper, look not so impressive. However, you can build a beautiful and solid tabletop with your own hands. On how to do this, read below.

Depending on the installation method, the following types of countertops for the bathroom can be distinguished:

• hanging - they are fixed to the wall using brackets;
• floor - mounted on the floor with support legs.

Also the countertops for the bathroom differ in construction type:

• Solid-cast models are a table top, connected to a sink in one piece. Are made, as a rule, from marble of natural or artificial origin. Solid-cast table-tops are not only very beautiful, but also convenient to operate. The disadvantage of such models are large dimensions and a high price.
• Equipped with built-in sink tops are very practical and functional. The main advantage of these models is the modularity, as in addition to the washbasin the table top can be equipped with storage boxes for hygiene products.
• The countertops equipped with an overhead washbasin look really impressive. The sink placed on the countertop looks like an antique vase for washing or as a flower petal. In this case, usually ordered washbasins made of stone or glass.

There are several rules that can not be ignored when installing a washing machine under the countertop in the bathroom.

• It is very important to measure correctly. It is better to measure the washing machine and countertop several times so that during the installation you do not have to redo everything in an urgent order.
• Installing a washing machine, use the building level. Adjustable legs will help to give the "stilalki" the optimum position. Avoid strong vibrations and, as a result, possible damage to the countertop, will help special rubber pads on the legs of the washing machine.
• Pay special attention to the connection of the unit to water pipes and sewerage. If the machine is installed under the sink, then you will need a special siphon.

• As in most cases, the work begins with the measurement. Armed with a construction meter and a pencil, we determine the dimensions of the future countertop.
• Based on the measurements taken, we collect the frame of the countertop. The best metal for this purpose is a special metal profile for drywall.
• Then from the drywall we cut the components of the future design. At the top of the countertop, you need to cut a hole under the sink. Another one of the same shape should be cut from plywood.
• We mount to the wall two brackets that will hold the structure.
• On the brackets first fix the form of plywood, then - gypsum cardboard with a cutout under the sink. A solid form of gypsum board is attached from below.
• Now from the strip of gypsum board it is necessary to make the end part of the table top. To the end turned smoothly curved, along the entire length of the drywall make cuts every 10 mm.
• The assembled structure should be primed and plastered. To the table top was not terrible water and steam, we process it with a sealing compound.
• One of the best options for finishing such a countertop is a ceramic mosaic. Elements of the mosaic are fixed to a special glue, and the seams between them are filled with a moisture-resistant grout.